AL (Allied Listings) and SL (Standard Listings) are registered companies. Registered companies have claimed their business name and are actively maintaining and updating their listings with the correct information to help visitors decide who to ship with. Registered businesses pay a nominal registration fee depending on how many states they want to be represented in.

BL (Basic Listings) are businesses that have been listed by CMD and only the basic information is available on them. However, the information is unverified and may be out of date. We suggest that you contact a BL business you like and ask them to register so you can compare their company to others.

Why should I consider businesses with a lower CMD index score?

Typically, a car shipping company with a higher index score may have been in the business longer than most others or have gone to great lengths to build their reputation by using incentives and marketing programs. This means that they may have a great deal of capital available to do that. It does not, however, mean that they the only good companies out there.

Look for things that matter most with auto transport companies. If the CMD index is lower than those in the top ten or so, check their references and see how they perform with customer satisfaction. Some may even offer better services than high scoring auto transport companies. They may just not be in the business of promoting reviews with customers. In fact they may be cheaper than the higher ranking businesses.

Why should I use a broker instead of going straight through a carrier?

Brokers ensure that a carrier is registered and insured on your behalf.

Brokers can reschedule a carrier, should the one dispatched to ship your car not be able to make it at the last minute.

Brokers have access to a record of carrier ratings. Reputable brokers will not use carriers with a bad rating. (This rating is not available to the public. It is not on transportreviews.com)

Most reputable brokers will assist you in a claim process should damage occur. Carriers may often offer little help with claim resolutions.

Brokers may even save you money by competing for the lowest price with a number of carriers.

How much lead-time should I give for picking up my vehicle?

Carriers work on a very tight schedule, often from day to day. Most carriers plan their routes only a day or so ahead of time.

To book a shipment with a broker for a month or so in advance will make no difference than booking a week in advance. Do not expect a broker to get back to you until a few days before your vehicle availability date. In fact, it is recommended that you book only about a week in advance.

Why do I have to pay the broker and carrier differently?

Brokers will typically take a deposit in the form of a credit or debit card. That is the fee they charge for their services.

It is recommended that the deposit be paid only when a truck is assigned to pick up your vehicle. Prior to that, there is no guarantee that your car will be shipped. Some companies do not charge your card directly, but only authorize it and will charge once it is assigned.

Carriers need their money as soon as they drop off the vehicle. They have running expenses to take care of and are on a very tight schedule. They do not have much time to cash checks in their banks as they are on the road all the time, nor do they carry or use credit card services. They prefer cash or a bank guaranteed check.

What is a bill of lading?

It is a checklist to determine damage to your vehicle at the time of pickup and if additional damage occurred while in transit and at the point of delivery.

The driver must produce this, as without it you will have no evidence of damage should you need to submit a claim with the carrier's or your own personal insurance.

It is extremely important that you and the driver sign this at the point of pickup and again when the vehicle is delivered.

You can assign a person to sign on your behalf, but remember, that person needs to be fully aware of the importance of these documents.

How often are vehicles damaged?

Damages do occur. Statistics have shown that one in twenty vehicles may incur some form of minor or major damage.

Damage may be in two forms. Due to carrier negligence and/or due to uncontrollable causes or events.

Damage due to carrier negligence makes up around 70% of the time.

Carriers' insurance will pay for negligence by carrier or collision. That is normally 100% covered with no deductible payable by you.

The other forms of damage fall under your own personal vehicle insurance.

It is essential that your vehicle is insured before you ship it.

Car Movers Directory provides important information on auto transport companies including BBB accreditation, Authorities, Insurance and customer reviews. To know more about our services please visit us at Carmoversdirectory.net.